Hi Guys,

Warning: Somewhat newbie 4WD question.

Been reading the forum hunting for the answer, but haven't been able to find the answer.

Was being a bit on an idiot offroad on Fraser Is (Queensland, Australia), and one of the guys noticed that very little power was going to front wheels while plowing through a soft sand drift. (Heaps of sand being churned up on the rears, but very little from the front).

Later in the camp area we did some low speed testing, and power is being driven to the front wheels fine. (sand been kicked up by both front and rear wheels). But later went down to some of the more softer sand and got bogged on purpose. While in 4L, the front wheels pretty much sat stationary, while the rears spun like crazy digging themselves in. (Yes, the hubs were locked  ).

So would this be considered "normal" for a stock setup in relation to how the drivetrain/diff are setup? And can someone clarify the diff setup? (diff types in the front/center/rear as applicable when in 4WD either low or high range).

I know in a normal 2WD setup with an open diff, power goes to the wheel with less traction, but that wouldn't be the same with a 4WD, would it, at least in the Vitara's case? aka all power to the rear while the front have traction?

The zuki, is a standard '96 2dr Vitara 1.6L EFI, 5sp man, manual hubs (yes, the hubs were locked when offroad). Tyres are 215R15's (haven't worked out if they're 30"s or what). It's also due for a service, just want to know what to tell the mechanic what the f**k is going on with it so I can get it checked... (if there is anything actually wrong).

PS. Saving for a OME lift kit, air lockers, new exhaust kit, etc...